RECONSTRUCTION – IT EVER ENDS

Every “world class city” seems to be undergoing a total revamp. There is so much construction, so many cranes and so much renovation around Paris it boggles my mind. No doubt when we get to London it will be the same. Cranes are the new artistic backdrop in major cities.

The Tour de Force was Sunday and I lost! What a crushing blow (haha). By the time we made it to the Champs Elysses the race was virtually over. The stragglers were still coming in. Needless to say this was a MAJOR event and people turned out in droves.

Paris is so alive with people, street musicians, cafes – all the things Paris is known for. The Parisians have been so friendly. I think it must be our anti-Trump buttons. People go ape shit over them. And then we’re immediately their best friend. The only down side is that we end up talking about the Orange Mental Midget way too much. The whole idea was to get away from him. But that he’s genius isn’t it? His only genius because he’s dumber than tree stump. But he does know how to get people talking about him. I imagine it was that way with Hitler. You can’t believe what he says and does so you end up discussing it ad nauseam.

We’ve struck out with museums the last few days which has been frustrating because I’ve been dying to go. But all the major ones have been closed the last few days. Nobody seems to know why – or at least nobody we’ve talked to. We did attend a beautiful piano concert in the oldest church in Paris. It’s very small and dates back to 540 in its original construction. Yes, even before Sarah Palin believed the world began. Later parts of it were demolished and then rebuilt in the 12th century. A fantastic pianist, Herbert du Plessis played a program of Chopin and Liszt. I’d never heard anyone get so much music out of a grand piano. He was absolutely brilliant. Also seeing someone of his caliber in a tiny venue like this church was such a gift.

We also met with the lovely young woman who is going to take care of the Le Mutts while we go to London. They have been SO FUCKING GREAT, we can’t believe it. But it will be nice to have a few day break so we don’t have to make plans around their needs.

Europe’s climate is a disaster this summer. Italy is in a drought and Rome shut off all its fountains. Southern France has wildfires. In Paris is like October. It’s nuts. Before we got here it was boiling. But since we arrived the weather has been in the 60s and low 70s, grey and cloudy with intermittent rain. It’s hard to believe its summer. Although cooler is definitely better than hotter for women of a certain age!

Before we got here we’d heard Paris was empty. Tourists were staying away. You can’t prove that by me. It seems as busy as it is every summer. This is the only place in the last three months where we’ve seen/heard Americans and lots of them. Enough of them, frankly. Although all the ones we’ve met have been anti-Trump. I guess that’s no surprise. Morons don’t travel. They don’t leave their comfort zone – Burger King and tractor pulls.

It would be easy to leave a FORTUNE in Paris. The sales are incredible. Of course we picked up a couple necessities and at a great price. I wish I was going back to big, high priced job so I could out and blow a wad. We did stop into a lovely small art gallery in the ‘hood (we’re in the 6th arrondissement) and they expressed an interest in seeing my work. I’m also meeting with a gallery in London who invited to show this summer but I couldn’t get it together.

We did make another detour into a church. I know, I know. I keep saying no more! But this was pretty amazing. One of the most ancient parishes on the right bank. It was destroyed in 885 by the Normans and rebuilt around 1220. The final reconstruction was finished in the 16th century. As far as I’m concerned, the older the better. I just love old!!

Meanwhile, BBC commentators are anticipating a “constitutional crisis.” And we heard Trump might get his healthcare wish. Jesus, what a thing to come back to. I don’t the rest of my life (which is much less than I’ve lived already) to be consumed with this FUCKING SCUMBAG and his despicable offspring.

This has been a fairly boring update and then to end it with thoughts of the Orange Mental Midget. UGH. Maybe I should talk about all the champagne and chocolate I’ve consumed, but I fear that will be obvious when you see me.

The oldest church in Paris where heard a wonderful piano concertThe “concert hall” for piano recitalSaint-Germain L’Auxerrois. It was fantastic inside and out.

Comments

I can’t imagine why the Paris museums are closed! Quelle horreur! What hotel are you staying at? I always stay in the 6th too – at the Hotel de Fleurie on rue Gregoire de Tours (right off blvd St. Germain, one block from rue de Seine with its galleries).Your trip has been incredible! Looking forward to the London notes. Where are you staying in London?

So… don’t know if you’ve been but if not you must go to Angelina’s. It’s on Rue Rivoli across from the Louvre and next door to The Maurice Hotel. Order the hot chocolate mit schlag. I assume you know I mean fresh whipped cream. Please just trust me on this. It’s a life altering experience! They also have pastries and and sandwiches. But the hot chocolate is a must. Enjoy!